The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – A Brief Overview
include all CAF member countries, with the competition now hosting 24 teams. It has become a showcase of the best African football talent, featuring players from local clubs as well as those who ply their trade in major leagues around the world.
The tournament is a crucial event for African football, offering not only the chance for continental glory but also often acting as a stepping stone for African nations and players to gain more visibility on the global stage. Historically, nations like Egypt, Ghana, and Cameroon have dominated AFCON, but recent tournaments have seen an increasing number of upsets, highlighting the growing competitiveness of African football.
The 2024 AFCON Tournament
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire, marking the second time the nation will host the prestigious competition, with the first being in 1984. Initially set for 2023, the tournament was postponed to January-February 2024 due to weather conditions and logistical concerns. The shift means the tournament will be held in early 2024, making it the premier footballing event to kick off the calendar year.
Côte d’Ivoire has been preparing to host this tournament for several years, investing in stadiums, infrastructure, and facilities to ensure the competition runs smoothly. Fans can expect a high level of organization and a vibrant atmosphere, as the host nation is known for its love of football.
AFCON 2024 Schedule Overview
The AFCON 2024 tournament will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with matches scheduled to take place across six stadiums in five cities in Côte d’Ivoire. The venues include the following:
- Stade National Alassane Ouattara (Abidjan) – The largest stadium with a capacity of 60,000, this is where the opening match and the final will take place.
- Stade Bouaké (Bouaké) – 40,000 capacity.
- Stade de Yamoussoukro (Yamoussoukro) – 20,000 capacity.
- Stade de San Pedro (San Pedro) – 20,000 capacity.
- Stade de Korhogo (Korhogo) – 20,000 capacity.
The tournament will be divided into three main stages:
- Group Stage (January 13-29, 2024)
- Round of 16 (February 1-4, 2024)
- Quarterfinals (February 7-8, 2024)
- Semifinals (February 10, 2024)
- Final and Third Place Match (February 11, 2024)
Let’s explore these stages in detail.
Group Stage
The group stage is the initial phase of the AFCON tournament, where 24 teams are divided into six groups (Groups A to F) of four teams each. The teams play each other in a round-robin format, where each team plays three matches. The top two teams from each group automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while the four best third-placed teams also advance, bringing the total number of teams in the Round of 16 to 16.
The group stage is always an exciting part of the tournament, as fans get to watch their national teams compete against one another. It is also the stage where unexpected surprises and upsets can occur. In the past, smaller nations have managed to secure shock victories against bigger footballing powers, leading to memorable moments that have gone down in AFCON history.
Here is a breakdown of the AFCON 2024 group stage schedule (match dates are subject to change):
Group A
- January 13, 2024: Opening match (Côte d’Ivoire vs TBD)
- January 16, 2024: 2nd match of Group A
- January 21, 2024: Final matchday of Group A
Group A will be closely watched since it includes the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, who are expected to have strong support from their home crowd. The opening match of the tournament, which traditionally features the host nation, is always a highly anticipated affair, setting the tone for the competition.
Group B
- January 14, 2024: First set of matches
- January 18, 2024: Second set of matches
- January 22, 2024: Final matchday of Group B
Group B could feature heavyweights such as Ghana, Nigeria, or Tunisia, teams that have consistently performed well in past tournaments. Fans will be eager to see how these teams start their campaigns and whether they can secure early qualification for the knockout stages.
Group C
- January 15, 2024: First set of matches
- January 19, 2024: Second set of matches
- January 23, 2024: Final matchday of Group C
Group D
- January 16, 2024: First set of matches
- January 20, 2024: Second set of matches
- January 24, 2024: Final matchday of Group D
Group E
- January 17, 2024: First set of matches
- January 21, 2024: Second set of matches
- January 25, 2024: Final matchday of Group E
Group F
- January 18, 2024: First set of matches
- January 22, 2024: Second set of matches
- January 26, 2024: Final matchday of Group F
Knockout Stage
After the completion of the group stage, the tournament moves into the knockout phase. This is where the excitement reaches its peak, as teams must win to stay in the competition. The knockout stage begins with the Round of 16, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finally, the grand finale.
Round of 16
The Round of 16 will be held from February 1 to 4, 2024. The 16 qualified teams will face off in a single-elimination format. If a match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it will proceed to extra time, and if necessary, penalties will determine the winner.
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals are scheduled for February 7 and 8, 2024. These matches are often closely contested, with teams pulling out all the stops to reach the final four. At this stage, the quality of football is usually at its highest, as the remaining teams are typically the best from their respective groups.
Semifinals
The semifinals are scheduled for February 10, 2024. The winners of these matches will advance to the final, while the losers will compete for third place.
Third Place Match and Final
The third-place match and the final will take place on February 11, 2024, with the final being held at the Stade National Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan. The final match is the climax of the tournament, where the two best teams in Africa will battle it out for the title of African champions.
Key Fixtures to Look Out For
- Opening Match (Côte d’Ivoire vs TBD): The host nation will kick off the tournament, and this match will be a major spectacle with thousands of Ivorian fans cheering their team on.
- Group Stage Rivalries: Potential heavyweight clashes between teams like Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria are always fixtures to look out for, as they often determine the dynamics of the tournament.
- Knockout Stage Drama: As the tournament progresses, the stakes get higher, and the pressure mounts. Teams like Senegal, who are the current defending champions, will look to defend their title, while others will aim to dethrone them.
Teams to Watch
Several teams are expected to perform well in the 2024 AFCON, and their progress will be closely monitored throughout the tournament:
- Senegal: The reigning champions, led by star players like Sadio Mané, are among the favorites to win the tournament again.
- Egypt: With the record for most AFCON titles, Egypt is always a strong contender. Mohamed Salah will likely be their key player.
- Algeria: The 2019 champions will be aiming to make up for a disappointing 2021 campaign.
- Côte d’Ivoire: As the host nation, they will have strong home support and will aim to win the trophy on home soil.
